STL Today: La Russa disputes ‘underachiever’ label

Pitchershifter!

La Russa’s response came when asked about a Wednesday assessment from Houston Astros infielder Geoff Blum, who noted a lack of urgency on the Cardinals’ part after the Astros’ three-game sweep at Minute Maid Park.

Blum said the Cardinals “didn’t look like they wanted to beat us at all” while being outscored 11-2 in the series, which capped a 2-8 trip that left the Cardinals eight games behind the Cincinnati Reds entering Friday’s opener against the NL Central leaders.

La Russa acknowledged his team’s dull look in Houston and recognized how the impression might form. “We got beat 3-0 twice. And when that’s happened, you’re not going to look like a club taking extra bases because you’re not on base. He’s entitled to his own opinion. I think it’s fair to characterize our club on that road trip, and even the last home stand, as a club struggling to make things happen.

“But I don’t agree. If you’re characterizing it as underachieving, that’s a tough hit to take. Our pitching staff has been first, second or third (in team ERA) all year.

“There are guys in this clubhouse who I don’t think you can say are underachieving. But there’s no doubt that on the last home stand and this road trip we did not achieve wins.”